Sword of Mercy

Sword Of Mercy, Spiritual and Temporal Justice

A little bit of history

The Sword symbolises the monarch’s authority and role as a leader in war. The delivery of the Sword in the coronation means the Germanic Warrior Tribes. The introduction of Swords into the coronation ceremony is probably an example of the early churches common practice of Christianising pagan customs.

These 3 swords are carried before the monarch during the service and procession. These swords symbolise different aspects of the sword offering. They are called the Sword of Spiritual and Temporal Justice and the Sword of Mercy (Curtana). The custom of bearing 4 swords (which includes the Sword of State) was probably initiated by Henry IV in 1399, previously 3 swords were used being the old Regalia used at Charles I coronation

The Sword of Mercy is an 11th century sword with later additions. It has a steel blade inlaid with copper and a wire bound grip. The scabbard is covered with velvet and embroidered with gold thread. The blade started as a normal pointed sword which has been cut off about 1” from its original point.
Length (sword) 38 inches, Blade 31.75 inches, Scabbard 33.25 inches,
Width (cross) 7.5, Blade a base 1 inch

Sword of Justice is an 11th century sword with later additions. It has a steel blade inlaid with copper and a wire bound grip. The scabbard is covered with velvet and embroidered with gold thread. The blade has a double gutter which is offset from the centre It has a running wolf mark with traces of copper inlay. Length (sword) 46 inches, Blade 39.25 inches, Scabbard 40.25 inches, Width (cross) 7 inches Blade at base 1 inch

The Sword of Temporal Justice is an 11th century sword with later additions. It has a steel blade inlaid with copper and a wire bound grip. The scabbard is covered with velvet and embroidered with gold thread. The blade is straight gradually tapering to a leaf shaped point. It has an oblong ricasso and a single narrow gutter which is offset from the centre. Length (sword) 45 inches, Blade 39 inches, Scabbard 40 inches,
Width (cross) 8 inches, Blade at base 1.5 inches